Foot-arch support



April 22, 1930. H. socHoR FOOT ARCH SUPPORT Filed Jan. 7, 1928 Patented Apr. 2 2, 1930 STATES- HANS SOCHOR, OF ZURICHHONGG, SWITZERLAND FOOT-ARCH SUPPORT 7 Application filed January '7, 1928, Serial No. 245,150, and in Switzerland June 18, 1927.

My invention consists of a bandage support for the support or adjustment of the metatarsal bones of the foot, whereby their derangement or dislocation may be corrected, and consists of the features of construction hereinafter shown and described.

The metatarsal bones are often deranged thereby compressing the interosseous ligaments or nerves producing discomfort and 10 severe pain at the point of dislocation or de rangement. My improved device being placed under the metatarsal bones, lifts the middle bones back to their natural position, thereby removing the compression from the affected ligaments or nerves. The main object of my invention is to provide a bandage support which will raise the arch and assist the foot to assume its natural position.

I attain this and other objects by a bandage support comprising a band of nonstretchable material having a closure, for instance lacings, buttons or similar tightening means, the closure being placed inthe arch of the foot. By drawing the bandage support tightly the metatarsal bones in the middle of the foot are pressed upwardly while the bbnes at the sides of the foot are pressed downwardly owing to the downwardly directed pull of the band while the same is 0 drawn tight. The bandage support therefore will cause the bones to assume their correct natural positions. By using a suitable closure the pressure exerted on the foot may be distributed at will and more pressure might be applied by varying the tension of lacings at the different spots. The joint of the band may be bridged over by a piece of elastic material. The band can be readily slipped over the foot and elastically grip the instep, the device being held in proper position while the band is tightened by the said lacing in the desired measure. The band might be used to hold additional pads, plates or shaped bodies of any suitable stifi material to give additional support to the arch of the foot wherever this is required.

The drawing illustrates a diagrammatical embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 1 is an elevation of the bandage applied to a foot;

.Fig. 2 is an underside plan View, and

Fig. 3 is a section through a portion of the bandage on a larger scale.

The instep bandage consists of a band 1 of solid material, for example, unstretchable fabric, supple leather or the like, the facing edges of which are provided with buttons 2, 3. A strip 4 of elastic fabric is sewed onto the two flaps 6, 7 of the band 1, by means of the seams 5, bridging the joint.

In use, the bandage is drawn over the foot, so that the lacing lies in the arch of the foot. In so doing, the strip 4: of elastic material, for instance, rubber fabric becomes stretched so that the bandage 1 is held firmly on the foot. A tightly drawn cord 8 is passed alternately round the buttons 2, 3 and the foot will be more or less tightly bound, according to the strength of the pull. No folds occur in the strip 4, since it contracts.

Over the buttons 2, 3 is laid a guard strip 9, for example, of soft leather, with which is connected a tongue 10, for example, of leather, or rubber, inserted between the strip 4: and the flaps 6, 7 (Fig. 2). The tongue 10 Z is designed as a shaped body, which serves to support the bones of the foot and to apply pressure wherever necessary.

Any other support required for correcting the foot, and of suitable material, can also be e attached to the bandage. The shaped piece which may be made of rubber, leather, Wood, metal or the like, is preferably inserted between the flaps 6, 7 and the strip 4, thereby securing these in position on the foot.

The flaps 6, 7 may be dispensed with, in which case the buttons are sewn onto the edges of the band 1.

What I wish to secure by U. S. Letters Patent, is

1. An arch support comprising a band of flexible relatively unstretchable material adapted to pass around the instep and arranged with its ends beneath the arch, said ends being spaced apart, a strip of elastic material having its opposite edges secured to said band along lines spaced from the ends of the latter, and bridging the gap between the ends of the band and by its contraction serving to draw the band firmly around the foot, "r

lacing directly connecting said band ends and adjustably limiting the extent to which said strip may be stretched and said support enlarged, and a pad covering said lacing.

2. An arch support comprising a band of flexible relatively unstretchable material adapted to pass around the instep, and arranged with its ends beneath the arch, said ends being spaced apart, a strip of elastic material having its opposite edges secured to said band along lines spaced from the ends of the latter and bridging the gap between the ends of the band and by its contraction serving to draw the band firmly around the foot, lacing directly connecting said band ends and adjustably limiting the extent to which said strip may be stretched and said support enlarged, and a guard strip beneath said lacin and having a shaped tongue pad disposed etween said lacing and said elastic strap.

In witness whereof I aifix my signature.

HANS SOCHOR. 

